Interview with Simon Rindlisbacher, Hotel Manager of The Rembrandt, Bangkok

The Rembrandt Hotel and Towers, one of the most renowned hotels in Bangkok, has undergone a new makeover this year. This also resulted in the promotion of Simon P. Rindlisbacher to the position of Hotel Manager – one of the youngest hotel managers in town. Simon’s rise in the ranks has been quite meteoric. From his start in the industry as a waiter whilst still at school in Switzerland, his homeland, he raced up the career ladder to his current position. Simon graduated from the Hotel Management School Belvoirpark, in Zurich in 2002, and speaks German, French, Spanish and English. It’s a perfect background for a hotelier, especially in cosmopolitan Bangkok. What is it that you do exactly?

I am responsible for the entire operation at the Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok, making sure that all our guests are happy and want to come back and recommend our hotel to their family, friends and colleagues. It’s  lots of fun to work closely with all the different Heads of Department towards the same goal of offering outstanding guest services. Competition is huge, but because of the Rembrandt’s more than 17 years’ experience, combined with the famous Thai hospitality, our international clientele enjoy a guaranteed “above my expectations” experience.  During the last four years we have also renovated all our guest rooms, lobby area and bar.  We’ve also completely re-done our wellness area with “The Rembrandt Spa”, fitness centre and swimming pool,  with which I have been very actively involved. I also work closely with the Rembrandt’s General Manager, Mr Eric Hallin, whose  great experience helps me to further develop myself.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

To be privileged to do what I am passionate about. I love all the various aspects of a large city hotel. It’s the contact with the guests at the lobby, welcoming them to our executive lounge, inviting people  for an exciting wine dinner in one of our award winning restaurants, as well as working with my colleagues and associates. I am proud of what I do, and of the hotel I work for. When you feel that you are representing a brand like this, then you just can’t go wrong.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

The Beau-Rivage Lausanne in Switzerland.  This is a must-visit, even if you don’t stay there, to enjoy all the little details in an environment of very beautiful scenery. Six Senses Hide Away on Koh Samui, as it was a great experience in enjoying something different. I also like their way of living their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibilities). My parents’ home in Gossau, Switzerland.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

A birthday dinner, which was “tailor made” especially for me and my closest friends at the “Le Normandie” of Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. A BBQ in the rain forest close to the “Angel Falls” (tallest waterfall in the world) in Venezuela. Don’t ask me what food it was but it just tasted unforgettably good. OK, this probably won’t surprise you, but also my Mum’s food.

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

Yes, and it is always nice to see that they very much appreciate if we treat them as “one of us”. For sure there are some, who like the big bang or just need the polite distance, but I believe it’s nice for them too in just having a quiet time. Here at the Rembrandt Hotel, Bangkok, the Prime Minister is a frequent guest. We also have many Ambassadors and famous entertainment personalities from Switzerland, due to the hotel’s strong and well-known brand there.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?

I love being in cities, such as Singapore,  and seeing their continued development, but would really enjoy being up the mountains back home in Switzerland for a couple of weeks. Living away for over eight years makes my home country really beautiful again. Living the life of a farmer, making cheese, getting up with the sun and being with my family and good friends. All this without  TV and Internet, etc.

Thank you for sharing your experiences, Simon. I wish you all the best in your current position and look forward to hearing more great things about your achievements in the future. If you would like to be interviewed on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.